Changes in serum leptin levels as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 soluble adhesion molecules during carotid endarterectomy

S. Makris, K. Venetsanou, E. Spartalis, C. Kontogiannis, G. Georgiopoulos, M. Spartalis, D.I. Tsilimigras, D. Moris, I. Kakisis, G. Karaolanis, N. Patelis, V. Zymvragoudakis, T.I. Papasilekas, K.M. Themistoklis, A. Lazaris

Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece. msparta@med.uoa.gr

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is an adipokine, known to be associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherogenesis. Leptin plays an essential role in atheromatosis-associated inflammatory cascade through stimulation of inflammatory mediators such as soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). However, little is known about this association in patients with atherosclerosis and severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Our objective was to evaluate the variations of serum leptin levels, as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in these patients during the process of CEA and 24 hours postoperatively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group enrolled 50 patients undergoing CEA for ICA stenosis (> 70%). Serum leptin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 plasma concentration measurements were performed at 4 distinct time points: before clamping of the ICA, 30 minutes after clamping of the ICA, 60 minutes after declamping of ICA and 24 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS: Leptin was significantly decreased during CEA, but an overshooting in its levels was observed at 24 hours after the operation. Both sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 initially followed the pattern of leptin changes but after completing CEA and up to 24 hours postoperatively a steep increase in their levels was not established. sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with indices of oxidative stress at peak inflammatory burden.

CONCLUSIONS: Leptin is a circulating marker of carotid atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress and expression of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells are key features in the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis.

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